Prof Thomas BraunlMany people have reservations about electric cars. They think, you know, they might not be fast enough or they might not have the range, but we know, we have road-tested these cars; they have 131 kilometres range. The average distance being driven in Perth is 39 kilometres so you could drive a few days without even re-charging.

Simon PampenaCan we go now? Now, let's see...indicator. Good.

Anja TaylorOoh, engine malfunction.

Prof Thomas BraunlYeah, don't worry about this one.

Simon PampenaRear-view mirror. Good.

Anja TaylorIs that on?

Prof Thomas BraunlIt's on yeah.

Anja TaylorI can't hear it.

Simon PampenaInsurance, signed.

NARRATIONSo we're finally bound for Melbourne. Now these electric cars, like those that are commercially available, take about seven to ten hours to charge at home.

Anja TaylorWell this is fairly simple.

NARRATIONAnd even with the faster, level two stations dotted around the city, it still takes three hours.

Anja TaylorI mean that's what I don't get. It takes a whole three hours to charge your car. It's very likely that that station will be occupied when you come to charge it.

Prof Thomas BraunlYeah, and that's exactly what happened in the trial. People actually use the charging station and they don't let it go again. They use the parking that's associated with the station and basically occupy it for the whole day. But the next generation is Level 3 stations - that's what we want to get for Perth - and then you have typically ten to twenty minutes charging time.

Simon PampenaI wonder if the truck that's going to have those tyres, I wonder if that's going to be electric? I wonder how long it would take to charge up a truck that size? You'd probably have to take a whole year and it would only work for a day.

Derek MullerLook at the way this vehicle towers over Simon's little electric Lotus. I could crush him if I wanted.

NARRATIONAnd with those kind words, it's time to leave Simon and Anja and visit a guy a little more my style.

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Matt - 13 Feb 2013 10:06:06am

This was a horrible segment.

In 2013, 70% of Perth power comes from natural gas, and there are solar panels on roofs all over town - but you quote "coal", really?! (Dude, electricity in your US hometown might come from coal, but do a little research if you want to look like a scientist!)

You highlight a university undergraduate project car from many years ago which fails (like all good undergrad projects!); but don't mention the quality of the professional conversion... Why not interview somebody who drives (and charges) an EV daily to show us the real experience?

You highlight long charge times, but don't analyse how users make that practical - I charge while I sleep!

There are 3 production EV models for sale in Perth today - no mention?

Electric cars are an important part of human engagement to climate change (sorry, science alert!) but this segment leaves your audience in the dark ages.

Boo.

Concerned - 11 Feb 2013 3:02:27pm

Very little science in this, some "over" exited presenters and a school outing. Sad end to a great series... for me.

If the ABC doesn't want to spend any money on this show, perhaps you should cut it. #thedumbingdownofdocos

PeterC - 07 Feb 2013 11:23:27pm

Only episode 1 I know but charging time has not been an issue for the last 4 years I have been driving an electric car. From an ordinary outlet I get a useful charge in an hour or two. I top up when home and always start the day full. It's more like putting a cordless phone back on the charger. It might not be full yet when you use it again but there is still plenty for all but the longest calls.